AS THE CLIMATE WORSENS, THE CHURCH MUST RISE WITH ITS PEOPLE

Imagine a world slowly heating up, seas rising, and extreme weather becoming the new normal. In the midst of this global crisis, one voice remains quieter than it should be: the voice of the Church.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed a striking fact: nearly 90% of Christian religious leaders in the United States believe that climate change is caused by human activity. But here’s the more shocking truth — almost half of them have never spoken about it to their congregations.

In a survey of 1,600 church leaders from various denominations — including Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Black Protestant, and Roman Catholic — researchers found that only a quarter had mentioned this issue more than once or twice. That means an issue this critical is barely being heard from the pulpit.

The Congregation Needs Leaders Who Speak Out

Sadly, many churchgoers misunderstand the reality. They believe their leaders do not acknowledge the human causes of climate change. In fact, they estimate that around half of Christian leaders deny the issue — when in truth, it’s closer to 1 in 10.

This misconception leads to passivity. Churchgoers become reluctant to talk about the climate, uninterested in attending events that address it, and disconnected from the urgency of the crisis. But when they’re told the truth — that most Christian leaders actually accept the reality of human-caused climate change — their attitudes shift. They begin to believe that taking action to protect the Earth is aligned with their faith.

More importantly, they become less willing to support political candidates who oppose climate action, believing that such positions go against the values of their church. Imagine the impact if more believers understood that caring for God’s creation is not a political stance — it’s a spiritual calling.

Now Is the Time for the Church to Rise

This study is a powerful reminder that religious leaders hold tremendous influence, not only in guiding spiritual growth but also in mobilizing real-world change. Their voices can bridge the gap between faith and environmental responsibility.

But those voices must be heard. The people are waiting. The congregation is ready. The Church has a golden opportunity to show the world that Christian faith is not only about personal salvation, but about saving what God has created.

If church leaders are willing to speak — honestly, boldly, and compassionately — then the movement can start anywhere. From a small church on the outskirts of town to a large congregation in the heart of the city, we all have a role. But the Church must take the first step.

Because this Earth is not ours to exploit — it is a sacred gift we are called to protect together.